She was proceeded in death by her husband Jack Cooley; her three brothers, Richard Paul Wells of Sardis, MS, John Wells of Danville, Virginia, and George Edgar Wells of Orlando, FL; her sister Hattie Darville of Ft. Worth, TX; and also by her son-in-law Ted L. Ponder, Fordyce, AR.
She graduated from Hay Long High School in Mt. Pleasant, TN. Her family moved to Monticello from Little Rock, AR in 1960. She is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Monticello where she served on the Board, was a chairman of Circle #1 and served as secretary of UMW for 8 years.
She was a secretary and receptionist at the Science & Math Dept. at UAM for 25 years. She was president of The Study Club and was chosen as a life member of the Arkansas P.T.A. where she served as president of Parham Elementary School in Little Rock, AR. She was president of the Southside Home Extension Club and worked at the Drew County Fair.
Mrs. Cooley is survived by her three children, daughter Auburn Ponder Anderson and her husband Ken of Fordyce; Allan Cooley and wife Lisa of Fordyce; and Jessie Ellen Chappell of Monticello. She had five grandchildren, grandsons; Jack Allan Cooley and Michael Ashton (Mac) Cooley both of England, AR and Kelly Ponder of Jonesboro, AR, Granddaughters; Heather Chappell Rial and husband Alex of Crossett, AR, and Ashley Ponder Burks and her husband Josh of Little Rock. She has 8 great grandchildren, K.W., Sam & Evan Rial, Lily Burks, and Miranda Austin, Meghan Mekenzie & Brittany Cooley.
She loved her family and enjoyed doing craftwork, crocheting, and sewing.
Condolences(18)
glen PERKINS JR
monticello, AR Wednesday, September 1, 2010 I am so sorry Auburn and Allen, I just saw where your mother had passed away, you have all my sympathy, and prayers, love glenShellye Timmons
Hamburg, AR Thursday, May 6, 2010 Ms. Chappell, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. You are in my thoughts and prayers.Cindy Stell Hudgens
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 6, 2010 Thoughts and prayers to Mrs. Nell's family. She will be missed.Jo Ann & Leon Johnson
Fordyce, AR Thursday, May 6, 2010 Dear Auburn & Family, I am so sorry to learn of your Mother's death. Although I did not know her very well; she was a very sweet lady. I used to talk to her when she was able to still drive & came to your house. May the Lord bless & keep you & your family through this. Just trust the Lord to carry you through. With love & prayer, Jo Ann JohnsonTommie Moyers
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 6, 2010 It has been many years since I have seen Ms. Nell but, I remember the many years of her working at the fair and helping Ms. Betty McGuire. Tamara and I grew up together and every time we all went some place together Ms. Nell was always the nicest, loving, soft-spoken lady. I will always remember and admire her.My prayers are with her family and friends. May God hold you close and give you comfort and strength to meet each new day without your loved one.
Pat Ezelle Sanders
Bauxite, AR Thursday, May 6, 2010 Mrs. Cooley meant alot to me and all sceince majors when I was in college at UAMLinda Davis
, TX Wednesday, May 5, 2010 My husband, children and I have known Mrs. Cooley since her days at UAM. She was such a lovely person and always had a smile. Our family has lost a special friend. Your family is in our prayers.MARY MCHAN
COLUMBIA, TN Wednesday, May 5, 2010 NELL WAS A JOY TO BE WITH, SHE ALWAYS SERVED GREAT REFRESHMENTS AT OUR HOME EXTENSION MEETINGS. I LOVED HER MUCH. MARYJade West Ross
Monticello, AR Wednesday, May 5, 2010 Ms. Chappell,I am so sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed getting to know your mother. She was a very sweet lady & will be missed.
Jade West Ross, RN
Drew Memorial Hospital
Glynda Nixon
Monticello, AR Wednesday, May 5, 2010 Nell was such a lovely lady. We will miss her.Sandra Cooley Berry
Booneville, AR Tuesday, May 4, 2010 I'm sorry to learn of your loss. Even though I havn't seen Aunt Nell in many years, I remember her from when I was a youngster. I remember her as being very nice and I liked her. I know you all will miss her and I will remember you all in my prayers.Janice McAllister
Hot Springs Village, AR Tuesday, May 4, 2010 How sad to loose such a dear sweet lady. She was a joy to all who knew her. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. With sympathy, Janice Gladden McAllisterGlenda Andrews
Monticello, AR Tuesday, May 4, 2010 Jessie, I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. I loved hearing her infectious laugh. I know that God will hold all of you in his hand during these coming days.Susan Busby Wooldridge
Bella Vista, AR Tuesday, May 4, 2010 Auburn, Allen, & Jessie,I spent many days working along side of your mother at UAM Science Department. I have never met any finer woman who was so devoted to her family. She was so proud of each of you and her grandchildren. I am thankful for my time spent knowing her and all she taught me. My thoughts are with you all.
Toni Garrison
Monticello, AR Tuesday, May 4, 2010 What a wonderfully sweet lady . I knew Mrs. Cooley when I was a teenager and spent days and nights over at the Shook's next door . Heaven has gained a beautiful angel . I am sorry for your loss !!!Julie Dobbins
Pine Bluff, AR Tuesday, May 4, 2010 With sincere sympathy--Becky Woodward
Monticello, AR Tuesday, May 4, 2010 Mrs.Cooley was the best neighbor,friend & sweetest Lady to our family. we will miss her very much.Scott, Becky & Jake
Trey Holland
, AR Monday, May 3, 2010 The little time that I was with her, she proved to be a strong fighter.